ASCOT 15:00 31184w

All 7 ran.

Time: 1m 42.38s Closing Sectional: (3f): 36.15s (106.6%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 110%, Betfair SP 99.6%

A race that usually acts as the decider among the 3-y-o miling colts before they take on their elders, that role lessened this year by the late start to the season, the Irish Guineas run only the previous weekend, the Guineas at Newmarket the weekend before that rather than a month earlier, the second and third from Newmarket nevertheless in the field, along with 3 other 2-y-o pattern winners and one going up in class after winning 3 from 3; the classic-placed pair seemed to run their race, but were comfortably outpointed by the unbeaten colt, the form well worth being positive about, for all that it was a messy affair which developed only in the straight, the Aidan O'Brien-trained trio sitting in front in the early stages, Royal Dornoch looking tricky and getting in the way, the stewards enquiring into the tactics adopted by his rider and noting explanations, as Threat's rider explained in the enquiry he didn't not want his mount to be jostled, which might cause his mount to race freely, thankfully the interference caused having less obvious impact on the outcome than it might have done.

PALACE PIER had won in the style of a potential Group 1 horse at Newcastle and proved it at the first attempt, overcoming the run of the race to beat the placed horses from the Guineas fair and square, clearly a high-class colt who'll take all the beating in the top races at 1m and a little further this summer; travelled well, short of room soon after start, settled mid-field, forced wide entering straight, effort 2f out, quickened to lead last ½f, was strong at the line and won cosily; his profile to this point is very similar to that of Without Parole, who was unbeaten in 4 starts on landing this in 2018, hopefully he will go on rather better than that one did, looking at this stage to have plenty more to offer.

PINATUBO (IRE) ran to a similar level as in the Guineas, turning the tables on Wichita and travelling in more characteristic fashion, but no match for the winner late on, perhaps just an outstanding 2-y-o who hasn't carried that on into his 3-y-o career, very smart though his level of form still is; held up, travelled well, short of room entering straight, good headway 2f out, led under pressure briefly final 1f, left behind by winner late on; he's bred to stay beyond 1m, but doesn't look in need of further at present and shapes as if he'll have the speed for 7f, and either a trip to or the Sussex Stakes is surely the logical next step (already proven around Goodwood, whilst it was confirmed post-race that Palace Pier wouldn't be going down that route).

WICHITA (IRE) was unable to confirm placings from Newmarket with Pinatubo, but he matched the form he showed there despite leaving the impression he'd have perhaps been better served by setting a stronger pace, the O'Brien team on the week not quite achieving at its usual level, Circus Maximus and 3 other winners below top level notwithstanding; led, travelled well, shaken up over 2f out, headed inside final 1f, not quicken last ½f.

POSITIVE shaped encouragingly over 1f longer trip, running up to the pick of his 2-y-o form and promising a bit more to come, not having the best of ages; patiently ridden, short of room home turn, not quicken, stayed on inside final 1f.

THREAT (IRE) had missed the Guineas to wait for this, something to find on his best form and not far off showing it, though he promised more than he delivered, either just needing the run or not getting the trip (should stay); tracked pace, travelled well, every chance after 2f out, ridden, soon beaten; he's likely to be right back to his best with this behind him.

ARIZONA (IRE) fared better than he had at Newmarket, though still below his best; close up, travelled well, shaken up 2f out, left behind soon after; he looked the sort to make the grade at 3 yrs but has plenty to prove at the moment.

ROYAL DORNOCH (IRE) was reverted to being ridden more prominently, but he had sweated up beforehand and failed to run his race, his main contribution to the race being to get in the way early on; close up, not settle fully, hung right, pushed along halfway, weakened entering straight.